I had to move quickly without drawing attention to myself. Time was essential to the success of the mission. It was the news that the Union needed, especially with Lincoln waiting for a victory to raise morale. I gathered up vegetables from the cold cellar along with fresh squash from the garden. Putting the Plans at the bottom of a basket, I filled it with all I could carry and proceeded to Beard’s Mercantile hoping to find him available. It was later than usual for a visit. The stars were out, but if approached I’d explain that I had returned late from the hospital and the vegetables should be put out fresh.